Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 21801

There are five elementary schools in zip code 21801 (Salisbury, MD), serving grades Pre-K through 5th grade as part of the Wicomico County Public Schools district, an area characterized by a high level of economic disadvantage with an average free/reduced lunch rate of 64.4%.

North Salisbury Elementary is the standout performer, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 75th percentile statewide. It achieves math proficiency of 50.6% and ELA proficiency of 57.6%, more than double the district averages, while spending less per student ($17,552) than any other school in the zip code. In contrast, Pinehurst Elementary and Pemberton Elementary both received 1-star ratings, with math proficiency around 21-23% and ELA proficiency between 28-32%. The two primary centers, West Salisbury (PK-2) and Charles H. Chipman Elementary (PK-1), do not have standardized test scores, creating a data gap on early academic preparation.

Chronic absenteeism is a systemic issue, though North Salisbury Elementary has the lowest rate at 11.9%, while West Salisbury has the highest at 18.8%. Science proficiency is a universal weakness, with only North Salisbury Elementary (47.2%) exceeding the state average, while Pemberton Elementary (11.1%) and Pinehurst Elementary (15.1%) perform at less than half that level. The unique structure of primary centers feeding into full elementary schools means students from West Salisbury and Charles H. Chipman Elementary may transition into academically struggling environments at Pinehurst Elementary or Pemberton Elementary for upper grades.